Potentially Offensive Materials Statement

The University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center contain collections documenting the University and region from the 1860s to present.  Some of these collections may contain images and language that convey racist or hateful attitudes. These images and language are offensive, and sometimes traumatizing, especially for those who have experienced violence, acts of hate, or microaggressions in their lives and the lives of their loved ones.    

The University Archives believes in the importance of facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and in providing a broad view of the University and region.  Digitization has increased access and discovery of our collections and our campus’ history.  We know that our collections contain materials that are offensive.  The Archives encourages the use of these materials for research, discussion, and reflection on our past and our future.    

It is not our wish to hide anything in our collections nor to cover up our past.  These materials should be viewed in the context of the relevant time period and may not reflect the current diversity and inclusion values of the University.     

Library Services supports the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, American Library Association’s Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, the Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries, and the American Film and Video Association’s Freedom to View Statement.  The University Archives further supports the ALA's Access to Digital Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, the ACRL-SAA Joint Statement on Access: Guidelines for Access to Original Research Materials, the ACRL Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians, and the Society of American Archivists (SAA)’s Core Values Statement and Code of Ethics.   

Contact the University Archives with questions or concerns.   

 

Created 06/15/2021 by the Archives and Preservation Team, University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato